Rolf Benz Nova 340 Two-seater, Fabric Brown

Rolf Benz Nova 340 – award-winning sofa by Joachim Nees

The Nova 340 belongs to the Nova series that Joachim Nees designed for Rolf Benz in 2013; the manufacturer lists it as ‘340 Nova’. In 2014, the series won the Red Dot Award and the ‘Best of Best’ distinction at the Interior Innovation Award. Depending on the element, the back can be folded up or lowered into a lying position. The sofa is built on a metal and wood inner frame, and the upholstery consists of layered polyurethane foam with a soft topper in the seat. A continuous decorative seam frames the seat and back.

Nova 340 two-seater in brown fabric

This Nova 340 is a two-seater with a brown fabric cover. The warm brown goes well with wood, leather and natural tones and feels homely without demanding attention. As a two-seater, the sofa suits a living room, reading room or study. Rolf Benz envisages the series standing freely in the room as well as against a wall. Add an armchair or a side table and you have a small seating group. It is one of a kind.

Seating comfort and space

Rolf Benz gives the Nova series relaxed upholstery: beneath the cover is a soft foam topper, so you sit softly and sink in a little. The series was made with a seat height of 41 or 44 cm, both within the usual range. The sofa takes up a good two metres of wall and projects 1.15 m into the room. Leave 60 to 80 cm of walkway clear in front of the sofa, and correspondingly more for a coffee table.

Elements and additions

Which functions a Nova has depends on the element. On adjustable versions, the back folds up to form an extra-high backrest. With the seat pulled forwards, it lowers into the lying position, and the headrest can be adjusted. The series included a lie-flat sofa, a lie-flat add-on sofa and a longchair, along with piped back cushions and a tray in saddle leather. Rolf Benz offers a reupholstery service through specialist retailers.

Caring for the fabric cover

A brown fabric cover shows dust less than light shades, but it still needs regular care. Vacuum it with the upholstery nozzle or brush it. Dab stains quickly with a damp, light-coloured cloth and do not rub. Rolf Benz advises protecting fabrics from direct sunlight, as light changes the colours.

Why buy a pre-owned Rolf Benz Nova 340?

Rolf Benz was founded in Nagold in 1964 and has carried the ‘Furniture Made in Germany’ label since 2020. On the Nova 340, the series' mechanism sits in the metal and wood inner frame, and the upholstery is built up in layers of different densities. The clean shape with its decorative seam is not tied to short-lived trends. This piece has been inspected in eight stations.